A well-traveled multi-tasker, Barbara Buchenan grew up in Bolton, Mass., where she and her late husband, John, raised a family of three. In addition to being ‘mom’ she also served as administrative assistant to school superintendents and the bookkeeper for John’s machinery business.
“She’s always been a busy lady,” her daughter, Kirby, said.
Barbara’s family relocated to Sandwich in 1980 and Kirby still teases her mom about the timing.
“Sure, the same year I get married, they went off and left me in Bolton!” Kirby said, feigning dismay.
When John moved his business to Wareham, Barbara worked there as administrative assistant in the town’s Community Development Office. After retiring in 2001, she ran the group travel program of the Sandwich Council on Aging.
“I traveled all over the place!” she said, to destinations that included Iceland, Austria and Germany. She particularly loved Sedona, Ariz., and the Canadian Rockies.
“But my very favorite favorite was a bus tour of our national parks,” she added.
Barbara also had a travel-related mission: she brought each of her grandchildren on a trip to a faraway place, or – for the three youngest – a Disney cruise.
When not feeding her wanderlust, Barbara was likely whipping up meals for her family, which includes Kirby, sons John and Bob, six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Her specialties included pot roast, plus – in a nod to her German mother-in-law – goulash and sauerbraten.
Relatives visiting from German “loved my sauerbraten!” Barbara said, with a proud smile.
For 30 years, Barbara also made time to serve as assistant treasurer for the storied First Church of Christ, a Sandwich landmark built in 1847. The church is pictured on the cover of Elvis Presley’s 1960 album, “How Great Thou Art.”
“Visitors always asked me, ‘Is this Elvis’s church?’” Barbara said.
In addition to her administrative skills, Barbara is accomplished in a few age-old handicrafts, including quilting. One of her most treasured possessions – displayed prominently in her apartment — is a quilt wall hanging crafted by a dear friend who recently died.
Most recently, Barbara joined our new weekly knitting group, led by Cathy Kearney. With an eye toward the approaching winter, Barbara already is planning her first project.
“I’m going to make a hat!” she said.